What are the signs and symptoms of HSV?

Question

Hi doctor,

After shaving my face six days ago, I saw a big red bump on the right side of my nose above the mustache. At first, I thought it might be a pimple. Last week, I felt something wrong on my throat and visited a doctor. Doctor said lymph node inflammation and prescribed me Penicillin. Doctor did not ask me anything about that red bump in my mustache area at that time. I have been suffering from mild fever as well after my lymph inflammation. Right now I am worried again since the red bump on my mustache becomes large, and from two or three openings drains watery liquid when I tried to squeeze it. It is really painful and irritates a lot.

I am worried about HSV 1 since it is near my mouth. I am having mild fever and lymph infection. I am not in sexual contact for the last seven years. What is your suggestion? What might cause this problem?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Two broad differential diagnoses are folliculitis or HSV 1 (herpes simplex virus) infection (most likely).

I would want you to know that we all are exposed to HSV-1 and it could spread without sexual contact. It stays in the ganglion (nerve endings) and pops up when your immunity goes down. It is also known as fever blister.

My feeling is that since you were about to come down with the sore throat, which seems like strep throat, you had a reactivation of the HSV-1 and got these lesions. As you feel better they will subside, you may use Acyclovir if you want but usually, we treat the underlying cause and you are receiving the antibiotics for sore throat.

Please do not squeeze it. You can use any anti-inflammatory agent for pain and fever like Acetaminophen. You can also try topical steroids like Desonide.

I hope this helps.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I would suggest being careful while you shave to allow complete healing. HSV-1 is so common that most likely your future partner might already have it. It is the HSV-2 that we worry about which usually causes genital lesions.